Proverbs – Page 10 – Be Still…

Proverbs 12:11-20 – Show Me the Benefits

The nugget of wisdom that stood out for me today was verse 14, “Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.” Who doesn’t like a good reward? The hard work part may be difficult for some, but the reward should help to entice.

We’ve all worked alongside a slacker. That is, someone who shows up but never really gets into the job. They are more interested in the talking about the weekend that’s coming or asking if it’s time for the next coffee break yet. Their work is sub-par, but they have a false belief they are promotion bound. They expect a reward but don’t put in the work. Unfortunately for them, that’s not how it works.

Proverbs 12:1-10 – Love Discipline

Read Proverbs 12:1-10

There is a lot of talk in today’s reading about wickedness. To whom was Solomon referring? Perhaps to violent people, to those guilty of sin against God or people, or even to the one who is perverted trying to keep other people from God. I’m not going to focus on that, but I did want to mention it because it did strike me. There are many wicked people we need to be wary of. If we ourselves are wicked, these verses will surely call us out.

What did speak to me loudly was verse 1, “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” This probably hit a little close to home because of how I despise being wrong and being caught or called out when I have made a mistake. I need to be easier on myself. We are all going to make mistakes. It’s a great way to learn. We should welcome correction when it helps us see the error of our ways.

Proverbs 11:21-31 – Refresh Others

Read Proverbs 11:21-31

What are you doing today to refresh someone? What does it mean to refresh them? I suppose it means something different depending on who you are blessing. A busy mom would love help with getting kids to and from activities or the laundry from last week folded and put away. A widower would be refreshed by a home-cooked meal. An athlete by someone cheering them on. A store owner by someone bringing in a crowd of customers eager to buy. A patient in a hospital bed by a visitor coming to spend time with them.

Can you think of a way you can make a difference for someone today? Verse 25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” We should be looking for ways to be generous with our time to help others. What a promise! If we refresh others, we will be refreshed!

Proverbs 11:10-20 – Choose Integrity

Read Proverbs 11:10-20

Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Verse 20 pairs integrity with its opposite trait, having a “crooked heart.” God detests those immoral people. Yet, don’t we always say God loves everyone? How does that work? He loves the people but detests the attitude, the actions, the crooked heart of those who are not living honest, upright lives. God “delights” in those with integrity. I want to delight him, don’t you?

When you honor God with your integrity, you are also honoring yourself. What are characteristics or ways you can live to be full of integrity? Keep good company, do the right thing, be confident, make a difference, be loyal, etc.

Proverbs 11:1-9 – Be Saved From Death

Read Proverbs 11:1-9

We are all going to die from something. Every day we read some new report of a food or substance that is linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes or the like. I have been known to roll my eyes because we all know something is going to kill us. Our earthly bodies aren’t meant to live forever. Our days are numbered, yet how we live those days is up to us.

Verse 4 spoke to me today. “Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.” Right living is what the Bible says will save us from death. The death Solomon means is a permanent death that keeps us from our eternity with God. He was wise beyond his own time for Jesus had not come yet. But he is clear, we can’t buy our salvation. The wealth we have accumulated on earth will not be what saves us from death or eternity with God.